Hats off to the BIM guys, for a step in the right direction.
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<br>The BIM A -cat has the "upgradable all the way to top-end" thing locked up. But at 7,400 US, my gut feel is, it's one tier up from what I'm fumbling around for here.
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<br>The WAVE has the "economical entry level boat" thing locked up at 3,700 US, actually cheaper than the original H 14 after inflation adjustment. But even with jib and traps, it's still a tad short LOA and narrow of beam for upgrade all the way to "high end" Is there a traveler kit? Easy to put on? Is there a Downhaul kit? D-Wires kit, for prebend rig? I've sailed a wave, and it's a nice fun boat. Making the upgrade path a 'factory authorized" one allows some more performance while potentially preserving that "precisely one design" feeling you get when you know simply everything about the competition's boat is just like yours, so the "tiller nut" gets all the credit/blame. (I know, some value that rather less than others!!!)
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<br>Can either boat be Mass marketed? Mark commented to me that his inclination is to say, "No, you're just gonna have to have dealer support; training up a bunch of hourly employees at a Sporting Goods outlet will be daunting"
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<br>Can the assembly/setup challenges involved be simplified, mechanically? Howzabout a video? Telephone support? To expensive, right?
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<br>How about cutting in the nearerst Dealer for a slice of every "Outlet - sold" boat, provided they commit to providing support, and supplying the Dealer's name to the Outlet purchaser? Mark, do you think the residuals, upgrades, gear etc sales would make it worth your while to be called on for setup advice? I"m guessing such help would have to be strictly in your store, which limits it some, or does it? How about where there are no dealers nearby? Local cat club? I'd volunteer to help a newcomer setup in a second, so would most sailors, and Hobie could keep the money.
<br>(Only 'cause I'm too far away to be hurting Mark, or any dealer for that matter, who rightly should seek some reward if they were to do this as a business relaitonship supporting mass marketed hobie product. :-) )
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<br>Most of the above is probably useless, not worth the phosphors your screen is beaming into your eyes with. But If I can throw out admittedly dumb ideas, you guys can too... That's the first phase of brainstorming. Later we pick a few usefull plans out.
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<br>So lets hear some free associating!!!
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<br>Ed<br><br>(To Email me, take the Ihatespam. out of the domain in my displayed email.